OYAM DISTRICT BOSS PLEDGES ACTION AGAINST ABSENTEE CIVIL SERVANTS

By Ambrose Okai
 
Oyam
 
Minakulu Sub-County in Oyam District is at the center of growing public frustration as absenteeism among civil servants and an office closure continue to cripple essential service delivery.

Residents have singled out Senior Assistant Secretary (SAS) Francis Eyoko and Sub-accountant James Epuny, who have reportedly attended the office fewer than 15 times in the past four months.

The Public Service Standing Orders 2010 mandates government officials to work Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, adhering to the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Service.

However, residents argue that absenteeism from duty bearers has directly disrupted programs and services designed to benefit the community.  

Minakulu Sub County Local Council III Chairperson Simon Ayela confirmed the absenteeism, noting that the SAS only comes to the office on Tuesdays, while the Sub-County Accountant shows up once a quarter which has left the sub county struggling to maintain effective service delivery.
 
“The SAS only comes to the office on Tuesdays, while the Sub-County Accountant shows up once a quarter. This has left us struggling to maintain effective service delivery,’’Ayela said.
 
Meanwhile, the Minakulu Sub-County office has been locked for over a month due to unpaid rent arrears totaling 7.2 million shillings. The rented premises remain inaccessible, with all office equipment locked inside.

Denis Okello, the landlord, said the sub-county owes him over 7.2 million shillings in rent arrears, and he will not allow the office to re-open until the debt is cleared.

The situation has sparked widespread criticism.
 
Residents, such as Augustine Ojok of Adel Parish have pointed to absenteeism as a key factor contributing to poor service delivery.

"Gross absenteeism by the duty bearers is to blame for the poor service delivery in Minakulu Sub-County," Ojok said.

Rose Akite of Olwio Parish wondered why the district is wasting resources to pay civil servants when there is little work being done by them.

Denis Odoc, Secretary to the Local Council I Chairperson of Ebur Village, said closure of the office, coupled with the absence of key officials, has crippled essential processes such as court proceedings and the Parish Development Model.

Sub-County Speaker Francis Omara revealed that a recent emergency council meeting resolved for SAS Eyoko to clear the accumulated rent arrears within 14 days after admitting to misusing funds allocated for rent payments.  

This is not the first time Eyoko’s absenteeism has come under scrutiny. During his tenure at Abok Sub-County in the 2023/24 financial year, LC3 Chairperson Philips Ogile noted his tendency to commute from Lira City, which occasionally led to absences.

"Eyoko is a good SAS when it comes to writing reports, but he would be better monitored at the district level," Ogile advised.  

Benson Dila Oyuku, the Oyam District LC5 Chairperson, acknowledged the growing concerns and pledged action once a formal petition is submitted.

"Once my office is served with a petition, we shall start investigating the conduct of civil servants in Minakulu for absenteeism. Appropriate disciplinary action will follow after the investigation," Dila said.
 

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